What does a high-risk pregnancy mean, and what can you expect?

Pregnancy, and the time spent waiting to welcome a child to this world, is an experience that has no comparison. The next nine months of your life will be a rollercoaster ride of emotional and physical changes, marked at every stage by love and affection from your loved ones. While a natural process, sometimes pregnancy can also face its set of obstacles. Certain complications when you’re expecting can lead to a high-risk pregnancy.

So, what is a high-risk pregnancy?

A pregnancy faced with complications that pose risks to the health of the mother or the baby is termed as high-risk pregnancy. These complications vary depending on the situation.

Read on to understand in detail what a high-risk pregnancy can mean for you and your child.

Does a high-risk pregnancy mean there’s a problem?

The term ‘high-risk’ can sound scary. In general, it means that your pregnancy needs a little more attention. Of all the cases diagnosed as high-risk, majority of the mothers go on to have a healthy pregnancy with us. Our consultants devise a pregnancy management plan that monitors your pregnancy closely to ensure healthy progress of the mother and the baby.

So, what does this mean for you and your baby?

Because you might face complications during your pregnancy, your doctor will advise you to have more prenatal visits than other moms-to-be. This is done so your doctor can closely monitor the progress of your pregnancy. You may also be advised to undergo extra tests, like further fetal medical screenings, to access the health of your baby. In some cases case, you may also be required to undergo extra treatment, to ensure smooth delivery. Your doctor will tell you why your pregnancy may qualify as a high-risk case, but it is always better to keep yourself as well-informed as possible, while planning your pregnancy.

What else should I know about high-risk pregnancy management?

Since each pregnancy is unique, the complications associated also vary from case to case, generally, there are two categories of complications that you can face; pre-existing factors and factors developed during your pregnancy.

Pre-existing Factors: Pre-existing medical conditions of the mother like heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, being overweight or underweight, fertility problems and problematic pregnancies in the past can be some of the causes that can lead to a high-risk pregnancy. Ensure that you bring your consulting doctor up-to-speed with your past medical history, to ensure that an accurate diagnosis can take place, as early as is possible.

Complications during pregnancy: Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labour, placenta previa and multiple-birth can be some of the conditions that can cause complications during your pregnancy. While the medical terminology can seem intimidating, having an experienced doctor by your side can be a boon, as they will empathetically guide you through the process, and make sure you stay informed at all times.

What should I do now?

If your pregnancy is diagnosed as high-risk, it is essential that you seek the help of doctor with expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies. Apollo Cradle has specialists known as Perinatologists. These doctors, in addition to expert Gynaecologists, Neonatologists, Paediatrician & Anaesthesiologist, will ensure that your health gets the right amount of care and treatment.

It is also important that you take care of your health. Try to ensure that your in the best shape possible, and ensure that you go through all the necessary screening tests. Make sure to take your prenatal vitamins, eat well, and exercise, if your doctor gives you permission for physical activities. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions, and try to stay as relaxed as possible.

With medical advances breaking the barriers of healthcare every day, you can be sure that Apollo Cradle is prepared to offer you the best prenatal & postnatal care, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery. The most important point to remember; stressing about possible complications will not be able to help you and your baby. It is important to focus on your pregnancy, and let the healthcare experts help you through the process.